Special teamers Regula, Goudis expected to miss time, four 'Canes honored

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 11: Phillip Dorsett #4 of the Miami Hurricanes runs for a third quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats on October 11, 2014 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 513261687

The Hurricanes are expected to have a lighter-than-usual schedule in the days ahead before the team shifts its focus to preparing for an Oct. 23 game against Virginia Tech and Miami coach Al Golden has said more than once he hopes the adjusted schedule will help his team heal and get some rest.

But Golden said Monday he expects rest won’t be of much help to two of his special teamers, long snapper/fullback Ronald Regula and kicker Matt Goudis.

Regula had to be helped off the field after suffering an apparent right leg injury in Miami’s 55-34 win over Cincinnati on Saturday. Golden didn’t give specifics of the injury during his traditional post-game teleconference, but said it’s “significant” and that junior Frank Gabriel will step into Regula’s role.

Also expected to continue to miss time is Goudis, whose off-season back injury has not healed as quickly as he and the Hurricanes would have liked.

“We’re entering that realm where redshirting is a possibility,” Golden said. “We have to examine that. I think unless he can get cleared here this week, it’s something we’re going to have to examine.”

In other injury news, Golden said there’s still no set timetable for offensive lineman Taylor Gadbois and Kc McDermott, both hurt against Duke, to return, though he did reiterate what he said last week, that Gadbois is farther along in his recovery process than McDermott.

“I think Gadbois is a little bit closer and should be able to give it a try by the end of the week,” Golden said.

*This has been far from the season quarterback Ryan Williams likely envisioned, but the former Miramar standout—the Hurricanes projected starter until tearing his ACL during spring practice—saw playing time in Miami’s win over Cincinnati and according to Golden, has set an example for his teammates while dealing with the adversity of his injury.

With freshman Brad Kaaya playing well, it’s unlikely Williams will be able to do more than serve as a back-up this season. Still, Williams’ rehabilitation effort, leadership and play on Saturday earned praise from Golden on Monday.

“I think it’s human nature to be disappointed, but Ryan’s a winner, a leader and he’s not going to get frustrated,” Golden said. “He’s just going to keep moving forward. Whatever adversity he’s had in his life, he’s handled it with the same class and fortitude and that’s what he’s doing right here, right now.

“I’m happy for him that he got in the game. In and of itself, it’s a big deal because it’s still a very, very quick recovery for him to be able to get in and hopefully, he’ll be able to build on that this week and throughout the rest of the season.”

*Four Hurricanes earned recognition on Monday with Kaaya, Phillip Dorsett and Tyriq McCord earning ACC honors while tight end Clive Walford was named to the Mackey Award midseason watch list.

Kaaya, who threw for more than 200 yards for the fifth consecutive game in Miami’s win against Cincinnati, was named the ACC Rookie of the Week after his 286-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Bearcats. His 79-yard touchdown pass to Dorsett, who was named the ACC Receiver of the Week, was the longest of his career. Kaaya, a freshman, has now thrown for multiple touchdowns in each of Miami’s home games this season.

Dorsett, a St. Thomas Aquinas alum, had three catches for 143 yards against Cincinnati, including the 79-yard scoring pass from Kaaya and was named ACC Receiver of the Week. Dorsett is currently Miami’s leading receiver with 550 yards. McCord, meanwhile, was named ACC Co-linebacker of the Week returning an interception 46 yards for his first collegiate touchdown. McCord also had two tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a pass break-up.

Walford, a Glades Central alum, is one of six ACC players named to the Mackey’s midseason watch list. He has caught 23 passes for 306 yards this season. He also has four touchdown grabs.